The 60-acre Kemah Boardwalk neighboring Houston along Galveston Bay and Clear Lake banks is home to a wide range of amusements, waterfront dining establishments, gorgeous retail enterprises, festivals, seaside entertainment, markets, and boardwalk games. So, what are the best Kemah Boardwalk restaurants to dine in? Of course, choosing where to dine is part of the enjoyment, given that there are so many great choices to consider, ranging from quirky food stalls and well-known coffee shops to exquisite steaks and seafood restaurants.
If you are organizing a family vacation in Kemah Boardwalk, then here are some of the top restaurants that you can visit for a quick bite and enjoy a fantastic child-like experience.
1. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Open hours: It varies
It is located at 5, Boardwalk, Kemah, TX 77565. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.’s main selling point is that an Academy Award-winning movie-inspired it, but apart from that, it offers so much more.
This globally known restaurant serves hand-shaken margaritas, BBQ, and seafood in a down-to-earth, casual environment with spectacular harbor scenery, making it one of the best restaurants on the Kemah Boardwalk.
First, enjoy the best lunch in Kemah Boardwalk by sampling their Seafood Hush Pups, a unique twist on hush puppies accompanied with a remoulade dipping sauce. Then, try out their Bubba Gump shrimp special like “I’m Stuffed!” Shrimp. It is a large shrimp stuffed with crab, baked in garlic butter and topped with Jack cheese.
2. Saltgrass Steak House
Open hours: 11 am to 9 pm
It is situated at Kemah, TX 77565, 215 Kipp Avenue. Saltgrass Steak House was founded in 1991 and is a contemporary award-winning steakhouse with a meaty menu and a bar area in a Texas-themed setting. Although the restaurant is best known for its certified Angus Beef steaks, it also serves burgers, exquisitely char-grilled fish and chicken, and other culinary dishes. Since it’s a restaurant franchise, there is something for everyone.
Saltgrass steak house is a wonderful option if you’re unsure where to go, thus making it one of the best Kemah Boardwalk’s top-rated restaurants. Try out a long-time favorite, Chicken Laredo. It’s a chicken breast topped with jack cheese, avocado, tomatoes, grilled onions, jack cheese, cilantro, poblano peppers, feta cheese and green onions.
3. The Pizza Oven
Open hours: Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
It is located at 215 Kipp Ave, Boardwalk #10, Kemah, TX 77565The Pizza Oven is a popular boardwalk hangout that serves thin-crust stone-oven pizzas, salads, sandwiches, wine and beer. Pizza is everyone’s favorite; it’s appealing to both children and adults, making the Pizza Oven one of the best Kemah Boardwalk restaurants.
Sandwiches, salads and hearty thin-crust pizzas freshly baked in a stone oven are all on the menu. There is also beer and wine available if you want to unwind with your friends after a long day at work.
We recommend the Boardwalk Supreme Pizza. It’s a great and fun choice as it’s topped with pepperoni, Canadian bacon, Italian sausage and much more.
4. Snack Express
Open hours: 11 am to 8 pm
Snack Express is located at 215 Kipp Avenue, Kemah, TX 77565. Along with Chicken Shack, Pop Cakes and Taco Truck, Snack Express is one of the food stalls on the Kemah Boardwalk that sells a wide range of chips, quick snacks, and souvenirs.
Do you want something light to eat before heading out to dinner? Visit Snack Express and explore their food, which is perfect for renewing your energy while walking and touring Kemah, Boardwalk.
You can get chips and popcorn here, but we recommend trying the amazing Walking Tacos. They are simply packets of your favorite taco chips stuffed with cheese, ground beef, beans, salsa and sour cream.
5. The Flying Dutchman
Open hours: Vary, Closed on Monday and Tuesday
The Flying Dutchman is located at waterfront #9, Kemah, TX 77565. It’s a place where you will find classic seafood with Cajun flair situated on Texas’s Gulf coast that has an enormous waterfront patio with a fire pit and bar.
The Flying Dutchman is one of the best Kemah Boardwalk restaurants because it delights its customers with its delicious offerings. They offer a wide variety of seafood dishes where you can choose either indoor or outdoor eating areas, providing a beautiful waterfront view, amazing ambiance and endless Texas hospitality.
Explore some of the best food like bourbon street pasta with blackened shrimp, crawfish, andouille sausage and cajun cream sauce.
6. Landry’s Seafood House
Open hours: 11:30 am – 9 pm
Landry’s Seafood House is located at 1 Boardwalk, Kemah. TX 77565. It was founded in 1947. It is a customer-friendly franchise that serves Gulf Coast seafood and steak in a relaxing setting with beautiful seaside views. If you are looking for a restaurant that will always serve you high-quality seafood with the best views, visit Landry’s seafood house.
The best thing about this restaurant is that it is located at the spot that opens into the bay to provide you with incredible views from the two sides of the franchise restaurant; that’s why it’s one of the best restaurants to dine in Kemah Boardwalk. Consider taking your other half out on a romantic date, and you can choose an area where that will feel most comfortable; whether it’s the elegant room or the refreshing outdoor waterfront patio
The chefs’ restaurant recommends parmesan-crusted Redfish Hemingway with seasonal accompaniments, lemon butter and lump blue crab. Unfortunately, you will find that there is less fine dining in Kemah Boardwalk; that’s why you will need to pair your meal with a glass of wine.
7. Aquarium
Open hours: 11 am to 9 pm (10 pm on Weekends). They are closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Next, we have the Aquarium, one of the best restaurants in Kemah Boardwalk to dine in. It is located at 215 Kipp Ave Boardwalk #11, Kemah, TX 77565. It also hosts a 50,000-gallon aquarium, live performances and marine exhibits. That’s why it’s ranked top coolest and best places to dine in Kemah Boardwalk.
Not only is the Aquarium an aquatic amusement center, but it’s also a restaurant that serves seafood, chicken, steak, and indulgent desserts. That’s why it’s the best place to come, especially if you have kids, as they easily get enthralled by the topical environment and the aquarium tanks full of all kinds of aquatic animals.
Try out the Broiled Captain’s platter, which is an authentic seafood dish. It’s very delicious. It comprises stuffed shrimp, seasonal vegetables, grilled shrimp, stuffed crab, avocado pico de gallo, tilapia and rice.
8. Joe’s Crab Shack
Open hours: 11 am to 10 pm
It is located at 7 Boardwalk, Kemah, TX 77565. Joe’s Crab Shack is a contemporary seafood restaurant that started in 1991. It offers American comfort meals, stuffed shrimp, and crab buckets. It is a casual counter-service establishment with a relaxing setting where any family can enjoy famous coastal fare, including exquisite cocktails, fish, fried shrimp and crab.
This restaurant offers you options; In that, if you want to get yourself a drink, you can do that at the waterfront patio, you can celebrate your birthday inside the restaurant, and if you are having a family feast, then you can put on a bib and get wild.
But, if you want to enjoy the perfect meal with friends and family, then try out the steam pots that come with potatoes and fresh corn. They are packed with smoked sausages, sweet snow crab, Dungeness crab and shrimps.
9. Funnel Cakes & More
Funnel Cakes & More is located at 215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX 77565. It is one of the simple food stalls that serve funnel cakes, cotton candy, ice cream and other sweet treats on Kemah Boardwalk. Do you feel your blood sugar is low, or are you craving sweet things even though restaurants around you serve seafood and quick bites? Then Funnel cakes and more are most suitable for you.
For people with kids, this is where you want to start or end your food tour, as the restaurant offers interesting options for children of all ages. Funnel cakes should be the first thing you try when you visit this place. Funnel cakes are soft pantries covered with powdered sugar, strawberry jelly, cookies and cream.
10. Joe’s Burger Bar
Open hours: 11 am to 10 pm
Joe’s Burger Bar is located at 7 Boardwalk Kemah, TX 77565. it’s a Joe’s Crab Shack franchise that focuses on quick-service lunch dishes like sandwiches, hotdogs and burgers. Stop by Kemah Boardwalk and grab a quick bite at Joe’s Burger Bar. The juicy burgers are uniquely packed with toppings, making them better than your average.
If you are looking for something substantial, don’t hesitate to ask for their exquisite milkshakes and portable meals. Consider trying some popular burgers with unconventional toppings, including the Betcha Can’t, a big burger comprising three patties, American cheese on the bun, and fried egg.
For seafood lovers, there is something for you too; Fried Fish Sandwich. It’s a perfect choice known for its delicacy. It consists of beer-battered flakey white fish on a toasted baguette.
11. Bayside Grille
Open Hours: Mon -Thur: 7 am–3 pm Sat: 7 am–7 pm Fri and Sun: 7 am–6 pm
It is located at 215 Kipp Ave, Boardwalk #8, Kemah, TX 77565. The outstanding, quality seafood served at Bayside Grille restaurant is presented in a sea-themed decor with a touch of tropical flair.
The Bayside Restaurant is a convenient morning stop with its specialty coffees, steaming beignets, and breakfast sandwiches. Fresh salads, Paninis, and croissant sandwiches are all available for purchase during the lunch hour. Enjoy a delicious selection of sweets, Danishes, cookies, and muffins.
There are kid menus available, and the vast floor-to-ceiling aquarium tanks offer breathtaking views.
12. Chicken Fries & More
Chicken Fries & More, often known as Chicken Shack, is a food stand on the Kemah Boardwalk that serves fried chicken, fries, and a variety of desserts. They are located at 215, Kipp Ave Kemah, TX 77565.
If you have a serious craving for fried chicken and other Kemah Boardwalk fare, you should definitely check out Chicken Fries & More.
It’s the perfect place to get food with your pals while exploring the boardwalk, whether you want to eat on the go or don’t have time for a formal, sit-down meal.
13. Starbucks Coffee
Open Hours: Mon – Thur: 7 am – 8 pm Fri and Sun: 7 am – 9 pm, Sat: 7 am – 10 pm
Starbucks located at 301, Kipp Ave Kemah, TX 77565 is a Seattle-based coffeehouse chain known for its distinctive roasts, light meals, and free WiFi.
It has made a name for itself as one of the top eateries in Kemah Boardwalk for coffee enthusiasts, particularly the younger generations.
It’s the ideal location for hanging out with friends, escaping the Texas heat, grabbing a quick breakfast or brunch, and, of course, enjoying great coffee and other delectable treats.
Have some grilled cheese on sourdough or ham and cheese on a baguette with your preferred cup of coffee or frappuccino. They also have a range of pastries from the bakery, including bagels, brownies, and croissants.
14. Nam Thai Restaurant & Bar
Open Hours: Mon to Thur: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Fri and Sun: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sun: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
It is located ocated at 501, Bradford Ave Kemah, TX 77565. Namthai Restaurant and Bar distinguish themselves from other eateries by specializing in original, authentic Thai home cooking. It was established in 2018 Family owned and operated.
Common flavors in Thai food include garlic, galangal, coriander/cilantro, lemon grass, shallots, pepper, kaffir lime leaves, shrimp paste, fish sauce, and chilies. Their Thai food is also composed of exotic, unique flavors and vegetables.
Offering well-known Thai specialities and happy hour drinks, this cozy mainstay has an appealing interior.
Many vegetarian options are available, and the outdoor environment is lovely too.
15. T-Bone Tom’s Meat Market
Open hours: Mon – Fri: 11 am–10 pm, Sat and Sun: 11 am–11 pm
T-Bone Tom’s Meat Market is located at 707, N Hwy 146, Kemah, TX 77565. The aroma of scrumptious chicken fried steak, hot blackened catfish, and world-class Texas barbecue fills the air as one walks through the brown wooden door.
Although locals have been enjoying this family-friendly restaurant for the past 45 years, the meat market-turned-restaurant gained widespread recognition in November 2009 when it was highlighted on the Food Network’s acclaimed cable television show, Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.
They are referred to as the “big red barn,” with the aroma of burning oak wood wafting outside and a sizable backyard where live music concerts are staged every night.
16. Tookie’s
Open Hours: Mon – Fri: 11 am–9 pm, Sat and Sun: 11 am–10 pm
Located at 406, Texas Ave Kemah, TX 77565. Tookie’s is a down-home eatery with its specialty burgers and other casual dishes in a homey environment with vintage furnishings about 0.3 miles from the Kemah Boardwalk. They have been serving burgers for almost 30 years and were named among the best in 2008.
They have meals like the Louisiana Stuffed Catfish, which has crawfish etouffee on top and is stuffed with boudin, as well as the Cheese Seafood Enchiladas, which are stuffed with shrimp and crawfish that have been sautéed in a southwest cheese sauce.
17. Sweet Scoops
Open Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11 am – 8 pm Friday – Saturday: 11 am – 10 pm
It is located at 215, Kipp Ave, Boardwalk #10, Kemah, TX 77565. Sweet Scoops is known for offering a hearty lunch and sweet treat.
As you try to capture more lovely moments outside in the sun, you may select from fresh waffle cones, gourmet sundaes, shakes, and malts to go! They also have happy hours where they offer signature cocktails and appetizers to diners at reduced prices.
18. Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack
Open Hours: Mon – Fri: 11 am–9 pm, Sat and Sun: 11 am–10 pm
Located at 310 Texas Ave, Kemah, TX 77565, Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack is a Cajun-style seafood restaurant with live music and a rooftop deck about 4 minutes walk from the Kemah Boardwalk. They are best known for their crawfish and famous seafood pots.
You can enjoy delicious hamburgers, T-bone steaks, cajun chicken pasta, and more. There are many different forms of entertainment available here, from local bands performing live to more unconventional live crocodile and crustacean watching.
19. FuJi Sushi Asian Cuisine
Open Hours: Mon – Fri: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM Sat and Sun: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
It is located at 212, Fm 518 Ste 107 Kemah, TX 77565. In a cozy, welcoming setting, the chefs at FuJi Sushi Asian Cuisine prepare and serve a wide variety of fresh sushi in addition to well-known Japanese and Chinese meals.
I ate a variety of sashimi that was nicely plated and placed on top of spicy tuna.
Next, I had two pieces of sashimi, one each of yellowtail and tuna, both of which were quite fresh and sliced in good, substantial portions.
Every item they offer is the beginning of an unforgettable cultural and culinary journey.
20. Joe Lee’s Seafood Kitchen
Open Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
It is located at 1108, Marina Bay Dr Kemah, TX 77565. If you want excellent seafood with generous portions and great prices, visit Joe Lee’s Seafood Restaurant. They are a locally owned and operated family restaurant with over 30 years of experience in the seafood industry.
They provide a wonderful range of grilled, broiled, blackened, and fried seafood items on their menu. Salads, gumbo, etouffee, chicken, and the greatest chicken fried steak in town are also available. Also, they provide down-home blue plate specials and fried seafood dishes as part of their daily and weekly specials, which will sate your appetite and leave you with some extra cash.
Conclusion
Suppose you’re looking for an exciting day out or a romantic date with a spectacular sunset, we would like to think you will now consider Kemah Boardwalk restaurants as they will provide you with a diverse experience. The best part about spending your evening in Kemah Boardwalk is the “happy hour hoppings,” which is a collective offer where each restaurant serves its customers a happy hour of special appetizers and cocktails.